Chief Minister Hajiji Noor asks Sabahans to support GRS in the state election to continue development under the SMJ 2.0 plan, citing past successes.
KOTA KINABALU: The people of Sabah have been urged to grant a new mandate to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the upcoming state election to ensure the continuity of development programmes.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this mandate is crucial to sustain and accelerate the state’s progress under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development plan.
He stated that the first phase, SMJ 1.0, which began in 2021, recorded impressive achievements with results already seen and felt by the people.
“Give us a new mandate and we will drive more robust development under the SMJ 2.0 for Sabah,” he said in a statement after launching the Kuala Penyu and Menumbok Sub-District Strategic Development Plan 2025 – 2035 in Menumbok.
Hajiji, who is also GRS chairman, urged Sabahans not to be influenced by opposition rhetoric that often attacks the GRS-led government with unfounded accusations.
He encouraged the people to focus on GRS’s successes in restoring the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and navigating political instability.
Hajiji reiterated that his administration achieved what previous governments never did, including attracting significant local and foreign investors.
He highlighted that dozens of domestic and international companies have invested in various sectors, boosting the economy and creating job opportunities.
“We are helping the poor in villages because when we collect more revenue, we return it to the people,” he added.
This year, about 100,000 low-income citizens are receiving RM300 per month in assistance, he noted.
Through the Welfare Department, 70,000 people were assisted, including persons with disabilities and senior citizens, compared to only 30,000 previously.
The government is also providing SMJ housing, with 40 homes built this year and 50 planned for next year, including 10 for newly married couples.
Hajiji said the education sector has been prioritised, with allocations reaching RM1.3 billion over the past five years to support students through scholarships.
The Kuala Penyu and Menumbok Sub-District Strategic Development Plan 2025–2035 is aligned with the SMJ agenda to ensure balanced progress.
Hajiji also officiated the opening of Nur Ihsan Mosque Menumbok, completed with an allocation of RM3.26 million from the Prime Minister’s Department.
He expressed appreciation to the Limus Jury Education Foundation for assisting 5,350 students in Kuala Penyu and Menumbok.
Hajiji handed over three native residential land gazettes for Kampung Mansud, Kampung Purun and Kampung Tanjung Aru. – Bernama
